KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans interested in investing in business ventures in the United States (US) are being encouraged to apply for the E2 Treaty Investor Visa.

According to a release on Tuesday, the document is part of a portfolio of visas available to citizens of more than 30 countries having trade treaties with the US.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, made the disclosure during the recent ‘Let’s Connect with Ambassador Marks’ digital town hall meeting.

The session provided Diaspora members with updates on immigration and visa requirements, in light of the US’ new COVID-19 travel regulations.

Ambassador Marks encouraged Jamaicans to apply for the visa in order to tap into the benefits to be derived from the cooperation between Jamaica and the US.

It allows nationals from countries forging treaties relating to commerce, among other bilateral arrangements with the US, to enter that country for the purpose of directing and developing the operations of an enterprise they have either invested in or are in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital.

Visa eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be nationals of countries maintaining the relevant treaties, are immediate family members of E2 visa holder, and that companies in treaty countries will send key personnel to manage the US affiliate or branch or establish such.

It should be noted, however, that the E2 visa, unlike the US Green Card, does not provide residency.

Ambassador Marks pointed out that “persons are not taking up the E2 visa… that only citizens of a few countries have access to. So, I want Jamaicans to be aware of that opportunity”.

For more information on the E2 visa, interested individuals can visit the US Embassy’s website at https://jm.usembassy.gov.